Joint Nigeria-US strikes kill 175 Isis fighters

A joint operation between the United States and Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of 175 Islamic State fighters over the past few days, according to Nigeria's military. The head of the US Africa Command stated that this operation demonstrates the capabilities US forces can provide in Africa, which he described as the "epicenter of global terrorism." US troops were deployed to Nigeria in February in an advisory and training capacity, but this joint operation indicates a more active involvement. The US Africa Command confirmed the operation and reported that no US or Nigerian troops sustained injuries.

Nigerian forces, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), have conducted joint strikes in the country's northeast, resulting in the elimination of 175 ISIL fighters. These operations, which took place in recent days, also targeted and destroyed ISIL checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and financing networks. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters stated that these actions are part of an ongoing campaign to combat terrorism. The strikes also led to the death of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIL's second-in-command in the Sahel and West African region, along with several of his lieutenants. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed gratitude to the US for its support following these developments.

Nigeria and the United States conducted joint operations in northeastern Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of 175 Islamic State fighters over the past few days. The Nigerian military announced that these strikes also destroyed militant weapons, checkpoints, and financial networks. These successes follow the recent killings of two senior Islamic State leaders: Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, the group's local deputy, and Abd-al Wahhab, who coordinated finance and logistics. U.S. Africa Command confirmed the attacks, stating no U.S. or Nigerian troops were harmed. This operation signifies a more active U.S. involvement, following the deployment of U.S. troops in February for advisory and training roles.

The US Africa Command (Africom), in coordination with the Nigerian government, conducted additional air strikes on Sunday against Islamic State targets in northeastern Nigeria. These strikes, which took place in the Metele area of Borno State, were based on intelligence indicating a convergence of fighters. Multiple air strikes resulted in the deaths of over 20 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants. These joint operations against militant groups are intensifying, following a previous joint mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, identified as the group's global second in command.

U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted additional airstrikes against ISIS fighters in Nigeria on Monday, following a recent operation that killed a global ISIS leader. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the kinetic strikes, which were coordinated with the Nigerian government and resulted in no U.S. or Nigerian casualties. These actions aim to diminish the group's capacity to plan attacks threatening U.S. and partner security. The strikes follow President Donald Trump's announcement that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS's second-in-command globally, who was reportedly operating in Africa and involved in planning attacks.

The United States military's Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Nigerian government, conducted additional air strikes against ISIL fighters in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday. These strikes followed closely after the announcement by both countries that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second in command of ISIL, and several lieutenants were killed in a joint operation. AFRICOM stated that no US or Nigerian forces were harmed and that these actions diminish the group's capacity to plan attacks. Al-Minuki, a former Boko Haram leader, reportedly oversaw key ISIL operations in the Sahel and West African regions for ISWAP. The US has deployed additional soldiers to Nigeria recently to assist in combating armed groups.

President Donald Trump announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the global second-in-command of ISIL, has been killed. The operation was a joint effort by United States and Nigerian forces. Trump stated that al-Minuki, who was designated a "global terrorist" in 2023, was believed to be hiding in Africa. The US State Department had previously described him as a Sahel-based ISIL senior leader involved in the group's global operations. Trump thanked Nigeria for its partnership in the mission and suggested the removal of al-Minuki would significantly diminish ISIL's global operations. No further details about the operation were provided.

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces, acting under his direction, have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the "second in command" global leader of the Islamic State. Trump described the operation as a "meticulously planned and very complex mission" that eliminated al-Minuki, whom he called the "most active terrorist in the world." Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, had been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023 for his ties to the Islamic State group. Trump thanked Nigeria for its partnership in the operation, which he stated would significantly diminish ISIS's global operations. The article notes that U.S. forces have been providing training and intelligence support to the Nigerian military against insurgencies in West Africa.

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted an operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom Trump identified as ISIS's global second-in-command. Trump stated on Truth Social that the mission, executed at his direction, eliminated a highly active terrorist from the battlefield, preventing him from terrorizing Africa or planning operations against Americans. He thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, asserting that al-Minuki's removal significantly diminishes ISIS's global operations. This announcement follows recent U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes against ISIS targets in Syria.